Want to Buy WTB: Chamonix Saber 4x5

[matthewhsu]

I'm interested in acquiring a Chamonix Saber 4x5 conversion. Prefer a lens in the 127-150mm range.

I just learned about this camera a couple of months back, but they are hard to come by. I've appreciated seeing photographs from Saber owners here at APUG.

Please PM, thanks in advance.

- MH

 

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[EdSawyer]

Good luck with search! They are worth finding one. I have one and have no plans to part with it, but have to recommend the Apo Symmar 120mm. I think it's the best choice for this camera, and is the one it was designed around. Others can work, but ultimately I think it's the best choice for the intended purpose.

Did you check with Chamonix? At one point in the last year or so they had postings on their site that they actually still had a few of these to sell. May be worth a look.

-Ed

 

[thegman]

Not sure if you're interested, but similar cameras can be had from:

http://www.polaroidconversions.com/

or

http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~razzle/

I don't have experience with either, but might be worth checking out.

 

[matthewhsu]

Thanks, Ed. That's really good to know re: the APO Symmar 120. I'll keep my eye open for one. I did check with Chamonix, but they told me they are out of production, unfortunately. Glad you're enjoying yours -- the search continues!

Thanks, TheGMan. I actually owned a Razzle once, but for some reason I can't really get used to the handling on the 110 conversions. I can understand why people convert them -- apparently they are more flexible in a lot of ways than the 180 / 195-style Polaroids and the Graflock back fits better on them. However, I much prefer the handling of the 180-style camera (I own two 180s!), so that's why I'm interested in the Saber. Thank you for the suggestion, though!

- m

 

[EdSawyer]

The 180-style (there's another name but it escapes me at the moment) is also a lot lighter. Keep up the hunt, they do show up from time to time, one sold not long ago on ebay. I wish Chamonix would just sell the raw machined chassis - if they did, this could be a DIY-type of conversion, I'd think.

 

[alef]

I have a Chamonix Saber which I'm now thinking of maybe selling, I got a Toyo 45AII really cheap and I don't think I'll be needing the both of them. The camera, film holder and ground glass is in very good condition, the grafmatic is used but working perfectly. Where would you want it shipped and what would you offer for the kit? You would pay for the shipping and possible import charges, I live in Sweden.

Chamonix Saber with Nikkor 135/5.6 + cheap, simple strap and lens cap
Ground glass
1 Modified 4x5 holder
1 Grafmatic film holder
Protective wrapping, no name (like the Domke F-34L)

 

[matthewhsu]

Thanks for your reply! Sent you a PM.